Should I Buy ‘97 Limited?

Hello… I’m brand new, seeking advice on pending purchase. 1997 4Runner Limited 163K miles. $4k
My 1st 4Runner.

Great maintenance records New tires, rear window does Not work.
Seller, friend of my family, says suspension squeaks but only in cold weather. Doesn’t get that cold here So Calf coast (Ventura).
Drives well, good acceleration, brakes, stays straight. “Leather” interior very clean. Torn front seats no biggie after 27 yrs. Rear camera and good sound system added. Trailer ready but no hitch. included is new, after market suspension parts but I’m not sure if needed until the squeak is diagnosed.
Any comments or suggestion will be appreciated. Thank you!

 

Rust. Rust? That's a pretty good price for only 163k. Rust?

 

Thank you for your reply.
I checked for rust and it looks good.
So Cal has no salt on the roads. I will have my mechanic look as well when it’s on the rack during pre purchase inspection. I am concerned about the lower ball joint recall. Need to confirm it was handled but on a 27 yr old vehicle it may remain a mystery. Hopefully local Toyota Stealer will know.
That plus the potential radiator “strawberry milkshake” i.e. trans destroyer I just read about on a different forum has me concerned. I need to review the maintenance records as when radiator was last replaced. If too many “nickel & dime” fixes or additional mysteries, I may have to pass on this beauty. Thanks again.

 

Recall wasn't for 97

 

For $4K?? Limited? No rust? Buy it! No Brainer. We have 2, one bought new has almost 300,000 and one bought used, close to 200,000. Original radiator on one of them. Not sure on incidence of pink milkshake but just replace it if you are worried.

 

Or he could buy the LTD for sale near me, in the rust belt for $6000 with 285000

But they should still be checked out because a failed LBJ can ruin your day and a few other people's too.

Note to self: replace LBJ's soon

 

it’s a 25 year old car, you’ll have a little maintenance to do. That being said replace the LBJs regardless (cheap and easy job) and you can replace the radiator if you’re concerned.

Even if you at some point got the milkshake, automatic transmissions out of junkers are so prevalent and cheap, I wouldn’t necessarily scare yourself if the frame is rust free!

your engine will run forever